Lee principal to leave for Weatherford job

Published 10:15 pm, Saturday, June 6, 2015

Lee High School principal Jeanette McNeely speaks during the 2014 Lee High graduation ceremony. McNeely has resigned her position for a job in Weatherford.

Lee High School principal Jeanette McNeely speaks during the 2014 Lee High graduation ceremony. McNeely has resigned her position for a job in Weatherford.

Photo: File Photo

Lee principal to leave for Weatherford job

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Midland ISD Superintendent Ryder Warren confirmed that Lee High School Principal Jeanette McNeely is leaving her alma mater to take a position at a school district near the Metroplex.

Describing McNeely’s departure as a “huge loss” and leaving “a big gap to fill,” Warren called McNeely “one of the strongest academic principals we have.” McNeely has spent all but four of her 19 years with Midland ISD at Lee, including the last two as the 12th principal in the school’s history. She also was the first principal at Early College High School at Midland College, a joint initiative between Midland College and MISD that allows students who are economically disadvantaged, first generation to college, a minority or English language learner to concurrently earn a high school diploma and associate degree.

Warren said McNeely’s replacement will have to be a “solid instructional leader” and “ingrained manager” -- qualities Warren said are necessary at a Class 5A or 6A (larger) high school.

Warren said candidates will be considered from inside the district but, if necessary, the district will see what options are available elsewhere. Warren said he has to be careful about moving an employee because the district started academic programs during the last couple of years and those programs are “beginning to take hold.”

Baiza to leave MISD

Deputy Superintendent Randy Baiza also handed in his resignation, effective Aug. 31, Warren confirmed. Baiza came to MISD from Andrews in 2012 to serve as chief operations officer. He was then moved to deputy superintendent before the 2013-14 school year.

Warren said Baiza has decided to pursue other opportunities. At this time, Warren said Baiza’s position will not be filled. That move is part of Warren’s plan to eliminate more than $300,000 in administrative salaries from his “executive team.” Another vacancy not filled was the executive director of elementary teaching and learning, Warren said.

Baiza spent the majority of his career at MISD, as Washington Math and Science Institute principal from 1999 to 2009 and Long Elementary assistant principal from 1996 to 1999, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article. He was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Andrews ISD before his 2012 return to MISD.

At this point, Baiza’s wife, Lina, the principal at the yet-to-be opened Fasken Elementary School, remains with the district, Warren said.